Teaching Hospitals: If you know you are in need of dental or medical care in advance, try calling the local teaching hospitals for reduced rates.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance: Apply for free or discounted prescriptions from medical companies: www.pparx.com
Physicians Fee Schedule: Use the 5-digit billing code on your bills to se what Medicare pays the hospitals for services performed. This fee can be used to help negotiate down your bill: www.medicare.gov and www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp
Pharmacy Checker: Site compares the vast pricing differences of national and Internet pharmacies. When possible... go generic! www.pharmacychecker.com
Hospitals: Anyone can apply for financial assistance from hospitals. Remember, if we make money in that state, and pay income tax to that state, we are residents of that state at that time!
Helpful Agencies
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF): Provides assistance to help sustain a craft artist’s career when an emergency occurs. www.craftemergency.org
The Actor’s Fund: Helps with financial assistance for working actors in crisis. Can assist with basic living expenses and medical expenses. www.actorsfund.org
Musicians Foundation: Helps professional musicians by providing emergency financial aide in meeting living, medical and other expenses. www.musiciansfoundation.org
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund: Helps those who have worked in the exhibition, distribution or production of theater or movies who are encountering an illness, injury or life-changing event. Call 888-994-3863 for info on aid and grant programs. www.wrpioneers.org
United Way: Provides assistance for recovery from any disaster. (See "Dial 211") www.unitedway.org
Dial 211
While services that are offered through 211 vary from community to community, 211 provides information about,
and referrals to, human services for every day needs and in times of crisis.
Did you know that 211 is available in 41 states across the country? (211 must be dialed from a landline phone
or a payphone.) Even while you travel from state to state and need help, you can turn to 211. This service can
link you to help lines for rent & utility assistance, food banks, clothing closets, shelters, medical information
lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention/rehab, support for persons with
disabilities, after school programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services and a wealth of additional support agencies.
